LAST UPDATE | 2 hrs ago

THE TEMPERATURE IN Athenry, Co Galway hit 32 degrees today, according to provisional figures by Met Éireann.

It’s one of many places in Ireland that recorded its highest ever temperatures.

A nationwide Status Yellow high temperature warning issued by Met Éireann earlier this week has now been extended until Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, a Status Orange thunderstorm will impact Cork, Kerry and Waterford from 4pm, and a Status Yellow thunderstorm also comes into effect for Donegal and Connacht at 3pm.

The current Irish record stands at 33.3 degrees, recorded at Kilkenny Castle on 26 June 1887. Forecasters said on Wednesday that temperatures could reach 33 degrees in Connacht, putting that long-standing figure within reach.

According to the figures available at 5pm on Thursday, Claremorris in Mayo saw the temperature soar to 30.4 degrees – its highest ever. Mace Head in Galway and Knock Airport also broke their own records, reaching 30.4 degrees and 29 degrees, respectively.

These temperatures are provisional, meaning Met Éireann carries out quality control on all observations. However, they’re unlikely to change.

Forecaster Gerry Murphy told RTÉ’s News at One that the definition of a heatwave is five consecutive days of temperatures at 25 degrees or more, and as the warm weather will continue over much of the country tomorrow, “parts of the midlands and east will qualify as heatwave conditions”.

Met Éireann warned that any thunderstorms could bring torrential downpours, hail, frequent lightning and gusty winds.

As the heat peaks today there is a risk of some severe thunderstorms breaking out this evening and tonight into Friday. We could see hail in excess of 5cm which can be very damaging along with intense lightning and flash flooding but forecasting these events are very difficult.… pic.twitter.com/UOvEypNqcP

— Carlow Weather (@CarlowWeather) June 25, 2026

The heat will continue overnight, with temperatures staying as high as 17 to 20 degrees for many areas. Heavy and possibly thundery showers are expected to spread more widely overnight, with a risk of spot flooding.

Tomorrow will remain warm and humid, with temperatures of between 23 and 29 degrees. However, showers are expected to become more widespread, with some heavy and thundery bursts likely across the midlands, west and north.

The spell is being driven by a plume of very warm air moving north from Europe, where several countries have experienced extreme heat in recent days.

The hot conditions are expected to ease over the weekend as Atlantic weather begins to move in.

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Saturday is forecast to bring cloud and outbreaks of rain, with temperatures falling to between 17 and 23 degrees. By Sunday, highs are expected to range from 15 degrees in the west to around 20 degrees in the east.

People are being urged to take care in the heat, particularly older people, young children and those with underlying health conditions.

Advice includes drinking water regularly, staying in the shade during the hottest part of the day and using sunscreen when outdoors.

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